I always enjoy catching up with charismatic, Ellie Trasler, when I can.
She has an energy about her, that is not only intriguing, but is welcoming and all encompassing. She is funny and has an open, easy persona, that is comforting and warm the first time you meet.
Originally from Northampton, Ellie developed a passion for food at a young age through her dad’s fabulous home cooking (sorry mum!).
Ellie is candid about her early days and says, 'When I lived away from home at university, I quickly discovered that a diet of chicken kievs, ice cream and poorly cooked pasta wasn’t going to cut it for the next three years of my life! By reading cookery books and watching The Food Network, I slowly started to teach myself new skills and techniques which I have carried through my adult life.
Since leaving uni, I moved to Bristol and I’ve never looked back. I work as a Deli Chef at BocaBar Paintworks; a trendy, modern bar and restaurant – which although proves most popular for their extensive pizza menu, the addition of further items from the kitchen and a Deli/Dessert Counter (all celebrating locally sourced and seasonal food) means there is something for everyone – regardless of dietary needs'.
Ellie continues, 'As my job allows me to be creative on a daily basis, during lockdown, and with the many months of being furloughed, I’ve found it particularly important to channel my energy on all things creative. I’ve been painting by numbers, experimenting with tie-dye, making candles and my personal favourite, improving my baking skills'.
All very positive, but what inspires you? 'Being a self-taught cook and baker I’ve been enjoying this free time to look at things I’ve never had the confidence to do and give them my best effort. One of the best tips I can give, is to find something that inspires you and use that as a starting point. Over the last year, I have been inspired by songs, Youtube videos and television shows…Hey! If an eleven year old can make faultless Macarons on Junior Bake Off why can’t I make them too? Seriously, if you see something you want to make, why not give it a go? As long as you don’t set the house on fire in the process and you enjoy yourself whilst you’re doing it I’d say that’s a win!'
So can you draw anything positive from this year of lockdown? 'I think this last lockdown has made me more courageous with my baking and even when things haven’t gone to plan, I've been able to figure out my mistakes and try again knowing what not to do! I plan on bringing this mentality back to work when life goes back to normal. After all this time on furlough, I’m more than ready to get thrown back into work, put these new skills into practice and fill the Dessert Counter with tempting new treats'.
Always a pleasure Ellie, can't wait to try your baking when we next get together x
You can find Ellie on Instagram @mrs.not.miss when able, she will be back at @bocabarbristol
Pictures are: Spiced Cinnamon Cake, Homemade Mango Curd, Boozy Bakewell inspired Cheesecake, Lemon Macarons, Maple Syrup Stroopwafel Cheesecake and Red Berry and Citrus Baked Cheesecake
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